Demise
In December 2006 the Department for Transport asked Sea Containers to surrender the franchise. GNER was allowed to continue running the franchise on a management contract basis for up to two years while the Department for Transport selected a new franchisee.
In February 2007 the Department for Transport announced that Arriva, First, National Express and Virgin Rail Group had been shortlisted to lodge bids for the franchise. In April 2007 it was announced that GNER had a 10% stake in the bid lodged by Stagecoach & Virgin. In August 2007 the Department for Transport awarded the franchise to National Express, and GNER's services transferred to National Express East Coast on 9 December 2007.
The last northbound train to be operated by GNER was the 20:30 London King's Cross - Newcastle on 8 December 2007. GNER gave out chocolate coins with the crest and the wording "Thank you for your custom with GNER".
Read more about this topic: Great North Eastern Railway